By TRICIA NEAL, CJ Staff Writer
Commonwealth Journal
Somerset —
A visit to downtown Somerset Saturday afternoon left many wondering what was the most exciting — seeing a real General Lee, meeting Cooter, being surrounded by a sea of Mustangs, or witnessing an impromptu wedding vow renewal. And if none of those things were enough, there were vehicles reminiscent of those used in the movie “American Graffiti,” a film crew from “Horsepower TV,” blue skies and great music. “It’s a Super Cruise,” said Somernites management team member Mark Hansford yesterday. By 4 p.m., 1,075 show cars had checked into the downtown area — a record for the 2010 season. More than 400 of those vehicles were Mustangs, which stampeded into town and were corralled into “Mustang Alley” on South Main Street. Hundreds stood in line in front of the Pulaski County Courthouse for a chance to meet Ben Jones — better known as Cooter of the classic show “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Parked nearby was an original General Lee used in the filming of the show, and just across the road were Ford and Chevy replicas of vehicles shown in “American Graffiti.” Shortly after 4 p.m., John Poland surprised his wife, Helen, on their 30th anniversary, by asking her to renew their wedding vows at the courthouse steps. The loving couple exchanged vows with strains of “Unchained Melody” playing in the background. “Cooter” served as a witness. August’s show was exciting, but Cruise organizers have even more in store for the September Somernites Cruise, which will serve as the event’s official tenth anniversary celebration. A rare Futurliner will be on display, courtesy of Citizens National Bank, a limited number of special commemorative dash plaques will be available, and a special door prize — a red 1993 Corvette — will be given away. The next Somernites Cruise will be held on Sept. 25.